Volleyball

Volleyball: West to Try Out for US National Team

By Kelly Tuckwiller for MSNsportsNET.com
February 8, 2009

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - West Virginia University libero Bonnie West is expected to participate in the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryouts set for Feb. 20-22, at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“This is definitely a good opportunity for Bonnie to compete with some very good athletes,” Coach Veronica Hammersmith says. “Whether she makes the team or not, it doesn’t matter, this is a great chance for her to get out there and get some experience.”

During tryouts, athletes will compete for spots on the USA Women’s Volleyball National Team program. Athletes not selected to participate with the national team may be considered for other programs run by USA Volleyball, including the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team competing at the FIVB Women’s Junior World Championship or the USA Women’s Senior A2 Teams competing at the USA Adult Open Championships.

A total of 33 athletes are eligible for the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team, as well as the other national team programs.

The tentative roster includes 44 outside hitters, 41 middle blockers, 35 liberos, 26 setters and 14 opposites. A total of 64 different colleges are represented on the roster, including four non-NCAA Division I institutions.

West finished the 2008 season with a team-high 424 digs, which placed her eighth on the list for most digs in a single season at WVU. In her freshman campaign, West posted 534 total digs, placing her second on the list for digs in a single season.